Executive-Legislative Relations: The Role of the

Transcript:Executive-Legislative Relations: The Role of the:
Executive-Legislative Relations: The Role of the Legislative Liaison Office Allison Smith Deputy Assistant United States Trade Representative Office of Environment and Natural Resources AGENDA Introduction Basics of the Legislative Liaison Office (hereinafter called “Office of Congressional Affairs”) How the Office of Congressional Affairs Advances the Agency’s Agenda The Proactive Agenda Playing Defense Putting It All Together How Can You Help Congressional Affairs Help the Agency (and Congress?) Q&A Introduction Currently serve in the Office of the United States Trade Representative as a Deputy Assistant USTR for Environment and Natural Resources From 2021-2023 served as the Deputy Assistant USTR for Congressional Affairs in USTR’s Front Office From 2013-2021, served on Capitol Hill, namely as the Deputy Chief of Staff and Counsel for Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) Basics of the Legislative Liaison Office The primary goal of the Legislative Liaison, or Congressional Affairs Office, is to advance the Agency and Administration’s priorities through direct engagement with Congress The Office of Congressional Affairs (OCA) will vary in size and makeup depending on the size of the agency OCA can include a mix of political appointees and career staff, with a variety of backgrounds Any and all engagement between the Agency and Congress (including members and staff) should be directed by and flow through OCA “Any and all engagement” – An Explainer Receive and respond to letters and questions from Members of Congress and their staff Receive and respond to oversight requests Prepare Principals to testify at congressional hearings and respond to Questions for the Record Prepare Administration staff to provide briefings to Congress Advance the Administration’s legislative and funding priorities Inform Members of Congress about activities in their district/state Organize technical assistance on draft legislation Get nominees confirmed by the Senate Attend meetings with Members of Congress and Principal/staff Help you communicate effectively with Congress How the Office of Congressional Affairs Advances the Agency’s Agenda The Proactive Agenda Each agency has a mandate for their work and jurisdiction For instance, at USTR, we negotiate directly with foreign governments to create trade agreements, to resolve disputes, and to participate in global trade policy organizations. We also meet with governments, with business groups, with legislators and with public interest groups to gather input on trade issues and to discuss the President's trade policy positions. Each Administration and Principal guides the Agency’s work through their priorities. For example, at USTR, President Biden and Amb. Tai have